Cauda equina syndrome in the emergency department: a 2-year retrospective review

Abstract

Cauda equina syndrome if a rare but life-changing clinical condition inwhich pressure is exerted on the group of nerve roots known collectivelyas cauda equina.It was first described in 1934. It has an incident ranging from 2.7 to4.0 per 100,000.It is more common in women with a mean age of 42 years.It can lead to loss of control of pelvic organs and legs, with a risk ofpermanent loss of sensory and motor control in the area supplied by thecauda equina.The setting for the study was the emergency department in a LargeUrban Teaching Hospital. A Retrospective Chart Review over 2 yearsfrom January 2022 to December 2023 was conducted. Adult patientsaged 18 years and over presenting with suspected cauda equina syndrome(CES) were included. We found a CES prevalence of 0.07% of all EDattendances or 74 per 100,000. There was a female preponderance of70% versus 30% male. A total of 74% of cases were aged between 24and 65 years at one peak, and a spike after the age of 75 years. Mostcases (92%) were managed conservatively. A total of 100 patients (68%)were admitted or transferred, while 32% were discharged. A total of 140patients (95%) met the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence(NICE) red flag symptoms. In conclusion, CES is rare (< 0.5% of ED presentations). There was anage peak between 25 and 65 years, with a spike after the age of 75 years.It has a large female preponderance in keeping with the observation fromother studies. Ninety five per cent of cases in our cohort met the NICEred flag criteria. Most cases were managed locally and conservatively.